The right frame and fabric cover combination creates an environment anyone would feel safe working in. The natural lighting provided by a fabric structure’s translucent cover already contributes to overall im- proved visibility, but certain manufacturers also offer building frames that prevent shadows. This provides uniform lighting throughout the entirety of the structure, helping to lower the risk of workplace ac- cidents and injuries due to poor visibility. Another area of concern for jobsite safety is heat stress. During pe- riods of elevated temperatures, heat-related illnesses put construction workers at risk. Fortunately, fabric structures provide a shaded area for workers to cool off, and there are manufacturers who offer climate- sensitive fabric covers. These covers are designed to help regulate temperatures, cooling temperatures by up to 20 degrees during the summer, so workers can keep cool on even the hottest days. With strong frames and fabric covers that offer natural lighting and temperature control, construction operations can create a safe, com- fortable working environment year-round. Versatility and Functionality in Any Application As well as creating a safe working environment, fabric structures are among the most versatile building solutions in the world. For construc- tion projects, this flexibility means operations can utilize their structure in any application, whether it is for sheltered workspaces, protected storage for valuable equipment and materials, or anything else. Structural designs that completely lack internal support posts are avail- able, providing several benefits for construction operations. The pri- mary advantage of clear span designs is the added available space. For jobsite warehouses, equipment garages, material storage, or any other application, the maximum usable space provided by clear span designs allows operations to make the most of their structure’s potential. Fabric buildings without support posts can also improve workplace efficiency. For construction, being able to freely move equipment and heavy machinery within a structure provides a major improvement to efficiency. The absence of support posts allows much easier loading and unloading of materials, so operations can spend less time strug- gling to maneuver heavy machinery and more time completing the project at hand.
A Durable, Dependable Building Solution for Long Term Projects Not only are fabric structures versatile, but they are also a durable solu- tion for construction operations, meaning they can be used year after year on multiple projects. Construction operations should work with a manufacturer who produces high-quality, reliable structures. There are fabric structures that match the durability of conventional buildings, and the leading manufacturers offer warranties that protect buildings for several decades. “Whether it’s a permanent or temporary structure, the strength of a welded steel frame provides maximum protection for the workers and materials enclosed,” Ching said. Triple-galvanized steel frames are desirable, not only because of their immense strength, but also because they require minimal maintenance due to their corrosion resistance. When choosing a manufacturer, cus- tomers should look for frame warranties that last upwards of 50 years. A longer warranty indicates confidence in the lifespan of the structure, so construction operations can utilize the same building on every proj- ect for years to come. Durable fabric covers are another vital component of long-lasting structures. Many manufacturers use composite materials, like polyeth- ylene, to create their covers. Polyethylene is noted for its incredible strength under tension, making it ideal for use in fabric buildings. Some manufacturers also offer covers exclusively designed for ultra- durability, so operations can choose the cladding option that is right for their construction project. The Ideal Building Solution for the Construction Industry The reasoning behind choosing a fabric structure for construction proj- ects should be clear. No other structure can provide the same benefits of a fabric building at an economical price. The ability to be easily relocated from one jobsite to the next, as well as improved safety and several cost-saving features distinguish fabric structures from tradi- tional buildings, so a fabric building should be the go-to choice for any construction operation in need of a building for future projects. NICHOLAS ST. PIERRE is a Junior Copywriter for ClearSpan, which specializes in innovative building solutions. For more information, visit www.clearspan.com or call 1.866.643.1010 to speak with a ClearSpan specialist.
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csengineermag.com february 2020
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